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Formula 1 has unveiled the official terminology that will be used to reference the technical complexities of its upcoming 2026 technical rules.

The racing series is embarking on what is considered the biggest technical shift in its long history next season, featuring revised car and engine specifications and the mandatory use of eco-friendly fuels.

The new power units, which retain the 1.6-litre V6 configuration, boast a greatly enhanced battery power, requiring key advancements in the cars' aerodynamics.

Throughout races, pilots will tactically deploy ERS energy – potentially on flying laps – to secure the optimal lap time.

Broad surveys were undertaken with a wide range of fans, including long-time followers and newcomers, to understand which terminology would make things clearer of the main elements of the new regulations.

The primary aim was to render a series of complex new areas of the sport as straightforward as possible for the broadest viewership.

Consequently, previous placeholder terms for some systems – such as "alphabetical mode names" for the moveable wings – have been abandoned in preference for descriptive names that succinctly convey the real-world effect of the system.

What's the New Technology?

The FIA states that racers will have more power to make decisions regarding energy deployment, energy recovery, and efficiency.

The 2026 rules feature a range of settings that will be shown on broadcast screens to improve the audience's understanding of the race battle.

• Overtake Mode: This replaces the present overtaking aid. It provides a burst of extra electrical energy accessible when a competitor is less than a second the leading car to facilitate an overtaking maneuver.
• Power Mode: This is a driver-operated power boost from the energy recovery system that can be utilized during overtaking or defending. It provides the driver peak output at the activation of a control.

Both of these strategic tools will have to be deployed strategically, as the available electrical charge is strictly limited.

• Active Aero: Both the front and rear wings change configuration – spreading on the long straight sections for minimal air resistance and increased velocity, and angling down in the bends for optimal cornering performance.
• Battery Recharge: The system can replenish their battery with power recovered from braking, or during partial power application at the straight's end or in certain corners where only limited engine output is applied.

Car Design Evolution

The vehicles for the new era will be more compact and lighter compared to the 2025 spec, with a wheelbase shortened by 200mm to 3,400mm, car width narrowed by 100mm – down to 1,900mm – and the minimum weight lowered by 30kg.

Overall downforce is anticipated to be reduced by approximately 15-30%, although constructors will inevitably claw this back as they optimize their packages.

Air resistance has been slashed by 40%. The vehicles will feature adjustable aero systems – front and rear wings will move on the straight sections to cut resistance and increase straightline speed and return into place for optimal grip in corners.

Pirelli tyres will keep 18-inch rims, but the tyres themselves will be reduced in width, by 25mm at the front and 30mm at the rear.

What's Changing in the Engines?

The revised hybrid units will have an approximate 50-50 split in power produced by the internal combustion engine and the battery and motor, a rise from about one-fifth electric power this year.

The hybrid system is streamlined through the deletion of the MGU-H, the complicated and costly component that recovered energy from the turbocharger.

All vehicles will be required to run on 100% sustainable fuel, created from biomass or synthetic industrial processes.